Man at Bend hospital likely has bubonic plague

PRINEVILLE — Crook County health officials believe a man being treated at a Bend hospital probably has bubonic plague.

The man in his 50s had contact with a sick stray cat. The disease can spread through contact with a sick animal or a bite from an infected flea.

A family member told KTVZ the man is in critical condition at St. Charles Medical Center-Bend.

Karen Yeargain of the Crook County Health Department says plague is treatable with antibiotics if caught early. She says people should use a flea treatment on pets to prevent them from bringing fleas into your home.

Plague is rare in Oregon. Only three human cases have been diagnosed statewide since 1995.